# D.C. Code § 42-3131.05b: Determination of vacancy and blight

> District of Columbia · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T42_C31A_S42-3131.05b

## Section

- **Citation:** D.C. Code § 42-3131.05b
- **Heading:** Determination of vacancy and blight
- **Jurisdiction:** District of Columbia
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** DC Code / Title 42 / Chapter 31A / § 42-3131.05b

## Text

(a) When making a determination that a building is vacant, the Mayor shall consider the following:
(1) Neighbor complaints;
(2) Advisory Neighborhood Commission certification;
(3) Accumulated mail, fliers, or newspapers;
(4) Past due utility notices, disconnected utilities, or low utility usage inconsistent with regular and habitual occupancy;
(5) Presence of overgrown vegetation, dead or diseased trees, or noxious weeds;
(6) Absence of furnishings or personal items consistent with habitation;
(7) Building is open to casual entry or trespass; and
(8) Any other criteria the Mayor deems relevant.
(b) When making a determination that a vacant building is a blighted vacant building, the Mayor shall consider the following:
(1) Incidence of illegal activity, as documented by police reports;
(2) Whether the vacant building is the subject of a condemnation proceeding before the Board for the Condemnation of Insanitary Buildings;
(3) Referrals to the Department of Buildings from other District agencies;
(4) One or more windows, doors, or other means of entry are missing or boarded up;
(5) Collapsing, missing, or deteriorating walls, roof, stairs, porches, balconies, chimneys, and other building elements;
(6) Siding or exterior walls that are seriously damaged, missing, or deteriorating;
(7) Trash and debris are improperly stored or accumulated on the premises;
(8) Building shows visible signs of vandalism, such as graffiti;
(9) Presence of mold, algae, abandoned or wild animals, or insect or pest infestation; and
(10) Any other criteria the Mayor deems relevant.

## Nearby sections

- [D.C. Code § 42-3131.01 § 42-3131.01. Mayor may correct conditions violative of law; assessment of cost; lien on property; fund to pay costs; summary corrective action of life-or-health threatening condition.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T42_C31A_S42-3131.01.md)
- [D.C. Code § 42-3131.02 § 42-3131.02. Inspection of buildings for violative conditions; interference with inspection.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T42_C31A_S42-3131.02.md)
- [D.C. Code § 42-3131.03 § 42-3131.03. Notice requiring correction of unlawful conditions; service.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T42_C31A_S42-3131.03.md)
- [D.C. Code § 42-3131.05 § 42-3131.05. Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T42_C31A_S42-3131.05.md)
- [D.C. Code § 42-3131.05a § 42-3131.05a. Notice.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T42_C31A_S42-3131.05a.md)
- [D.C. Code § 42-3131.05b § 42-3131.05b. Determination of vacancy and blight.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T42_C31A_S42-3131.05b.md)
- [D.C. Code § 42-3131.06 § 42-3131.06. Registration of vacant buildings; renewal.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T42_C31A_S42-3131.06.md)
- [D.C. Code § 42-3131.06a § 42-3131.06a. Exemptions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T42_C31A_S42-3131.06a.md)
- [D.C. Code § 42-3131.07 § 42-3131.07. Registration and renewal procedure.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T42_C31A_S42-3131.07.md)
- [D.C. Code § 42-3131.08 § 42-3131.08. Notice of denial or revocation of registration.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T42_C31A_S42-3131.08.md)
- [D.C. Code § 42-3131.09 § 42-3131.09. Fees.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T42_C31A_S42-3131.09.md)
- [D.C. Code § 42-3131.10 § 42-3131.10. Penalties for noncompliance.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T42_C31A_S42-3131.10.md)
- [D.C. Code § 42-3131.11 § 42-3131.11. Notice of vacancy designation and right to appeal.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T42_C31A_S42-3131.11.md)
- [D.C. Code § 42-3131.12 § 42-3131.12. Vacant building maintenance standard.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T42_C31A_S42-3131.12.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T42_C31A_S42-3131.05b. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.